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Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Modeling Mitochondrial Disease Using Brain Organoids: A Focus on Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes
Published on: October 10, 2025
Mitochondrial cytopathy with common MELAS mutation presenting as multiple system atrophy mimic
Anne-Katrin Pröbstel1, André Schaller1, Johanna Lieb1
1Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic (A.-K.P., P.F., L.K., M.S.), Departments of Medicine and Biomedicine; Division of Neuroradiology (J.L.), Department of Radiology; and Division of Neuropathology (J.H., S.F.), Department of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Division of Human Genetics (A.S.), Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a common inherited mitochondrial disorder affecting multiple organs. The primary genetic cause is the m.3243A>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a prevalent inherited mitochondrial disorder.
- It is a systemic condition impacting multiple organs.
- The m.3243A>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene is the most frequent genetic cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key aspects of MELAS syndrome.
- To highlight the common genetic mutation associated with MELAS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of inherited mitochondrial disorders.
- Analysis of genetic mutations in MELAS syndrome.
Main Results:
- MELAS syndrome is a frequent inherited mitochondrial disease.
- The m.3243A>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene is the most common cause.
Conclusions:
- MELAS syndrome is a significant inherited mitochondrial disorder with systemic implications.
- Understanding the m.3243A>G mutation is crucial for MELAS diagnosis and research.
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